Question: Do inedible peels of shemittoh fruit (e.g., melons) have kedushas shevi'is? The peels could be eaten by rabbits or other pet rodents – but if nobody in my area has pets to which they would feed them, can we treat the peels as if they came from non-kedushas shevi'is fruit (assuming we can cut…
Question: My wife is a nidoh. Can I ask my kids to pass the wine to her on Friday night after I make Kiddush? Answer: Passing a cup of wine to one's wife when she is a nidoh is subject to a special set of rules. There are laws governing passing items in general to…
Question: If students have a Jewish history test on Sunday, are they permitted to study for the test on Shabbos? Answer: If students have a Jewish history test on Sunday, are they permitted to study for the test on Shabbos? It is permissible to study a Torah subject on Shabbos even if you are studying…
Question: My fiancée and I were both married previously in different countries and are divorced. Now we wish to start a life together here in Eretz Yisroel and we are unsure of the local customs. What is the usual custom in Eretz Yisroel for choosing a mesader kiddushin? (My kalloh says that in the US…
Question: Is it advisable to avoid a surgery during the three weeks? Answer: If a person needs an operation or even plans to have elective surgery and can schedule it to avoid the time between Shiv'ah Asar Betammuz and Tisha Be'av, he should do so. The Mechaber rules that one should not hit students during…
Question: I would like to know what I should do about my gym clothes during the nine days. Is it permissible to wash them? I won't have enough otherwise, and after being worn once, they are unwearable until they are washed. Answer: If a person has only one garment and it gets dirty, it can…
A Nation of Families The Seder experience is designed to make sure we focus on our families and particularly on our children.[1] The Haggodoh directs us to discuss the story of our suffering and deliverance and eat the meal together with our families. If we were offering the korban Pesach, we would be required to…
Question: Answer: A Nation of Families The Seder experience is designed to make sure we focus on our families and particularly on our children.[1] The Haggodoh directs us to discuss the story of our suffering and deliverance and eat the meal together with our families. If we were offering the korban Pesach, we would be…
Question: My co-worker and I are embroiled in a business dispute. We have split up but have not found common ground to resolve many issues concerning the division of assets, profits on past accounts, and salaries. Part of the dispute revolves around whether or not I am a partner in the company or a salaried…
Question: I was offered a job as CEO of an observant Jewish company. The process includes a vote by the board to appoint me to the position. The job description includes such responsibilities such as hiring and firing of staff. Given that I am a woman, is the board permitted to make such an appointment?…